205
Graduate Programs
205.9
Business
205.9 Business
Faculty of Business
323 Faculty of Business Building
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2R6
205.9.1 General Information
The Faculty of Business offers programs leading to the degrees of Master of Business Administration, Master of Financial Management, and Doctor of Philosophy in Business Management. In addition to the standard MBA program, specializations are available in International Business, Leisure and Sport Management, Technology Commercialization, Natural Resources, Energy and the Environment, Finance, and Public Policy and Management.
Entrance Requirements
The minimum admission requirements of the Faculty of Business are those of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research; namely, an undergraduate degree with an average of at least 3.0 in the last two years of undergraduate work (or graduate work) at the University of Alberta, or an equivalent qualification from a recognized institution.
All applicants are required to write the Graduate Management Admission Test, and have their scores forwarded to the appropriate individual (i.e., Associate Dean – MBA Programs; or the Director – PhD Program; Faculty of Business). For the latest GMAT information visit www.mba.com. Although no arbitrary standard is employed, a score above 550 is desirable for the MBA program and a score above the 90th percentile is desirable for the PhD program.
In addition to the above requirements, all students must demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission as described in §203.2.4.
Additional entrance requirements are listed below, under the heading of the specific degree program.
Financial Assistance: Master's Programs
A limited number of bursaries and scholarships are available.
205.9.2 The Degree of MBA
Entrance Requirements
Admission to a program of graduate studies in the Faculty of Business is based on the applicant's undergraduate grades, three letters of reference, a statement of purpose explaining how the MBA relates to the applicant's career goals, and the applicant's Graduate Management Admission Test score. For candidates interested in this program, a minimum of two years' work experience is also desirable. A resume outlining past work experience is required as part of the application materials.
Program Requirements
The MBA program is designed for students from various educational backgrounds; no specific undergraduate major is required for entrance. All MBA students are required to fulfil a total of 
57 (including thesis or course-based). Students who fail three or more courses will be required to withdraw from the MBA program.
Phase one: The first eight months of the MBA program provides a foundation of courses covering basic managerial skills. The program begins with a required business skills orientation prior to the start of Fall Term classes. Because the first-year full-time courses are cohort-based involving teamwork, exemptions are not normally permitted. Completion of all 30 in the core courses requires one full academic year (September – April).
The second phase of the program provides students with the opportunity to pursue, in some depth, courses in fields of their choice.
Phase two: The course-based option consists of 27, which includes a capstone course.
The thesis-based option consists of 15. SMO 641 is required along with 12 in electives. The thesis is equivalent to 12 and is undertaken with the supervision of an advisor and a committee.
Length of Program
The equivalent of two full-time academic years are normally required to complete the program; however, it may be possible to accelerate studies with the completion of courses during Spring/Summer. The course-based MBA may be taken on a part-time evening basis; however, the program must be completed within six consecutive years from initial registration in the program.
For the thesis-based MBA, the minimum period of residence is two four-month terms of full-time attendance.
205.9.3 The MBA/JD Combined Program
The Faculty of Business and the Faculty of Law offer a program of combined study which permits highly qualified students to earn both the MBA and JD degrees in four years.
Each student must apply separately to the Faculty of Law (for admission into the JD program) and to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research (for admission into the MBA program).
In addition, students must indicate on their online graduate application that they are applying to the combined MBA-JD program.
In addition to new entrants, students in the first year of the regular MBA program or the first two years of the Faculty of Law are eligible to apply for the combined program.
Entrance Requirements
Acceptance by the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research (for admission into the MBA program) and by the Faculty of Law (for admission into the JD program) separately, are prerequisites for admission into the MBA/JD program. Admission into each Faculty will be determined by the same selection process and criteria as for other students. In addition, each student must be admitted into the combined program; in this case admission will be determined by a selection committee composed of representatives of the Faculty of Law and the Faculty of Business. Since this is a special program, particular attention in the selection process will be given to:
the student's past academic achievement; and | |
the student's maturity, interest and a rationale of how such a combined program will enhance the student's career and professional skills. |
Program Requirements
The first year is usually taken entirely within one program (Law or MBA), and the second year entirely within the other with the sequence being at the student's option. The third year will usually consist of a mixed program in both Faculties, with the fourth year in the Faculty of Law. If the first two years of the joint program are completed entirely in Law, the third year will be taken entirely within the MBA Program and the fourth year will consist of a mixed program in both Faculties. The Law portion of the program consists of approximately 75 hours of coursework while the Business portion of the program consists of 45 hours of coursework.
During the combined year of the MBA/JD program, the courseload requirements are as follows: Students must register in the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research in Fall/Winter and must successfully complete a minimum of 24 for credit, of which at least 15 must be Law courses/credits.
MBA courses: students who obtain a grade of less than C+ or who fail to complete one of the MBA courses may, upon the recommendation of the Associate Dean (MBA), with the approval of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, retake the course(s) or take an alternate course(s). Students repeating or taking an alternate course(s) must obtain a minimum grade of C+ and must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.7 (U of A Calendar, §203.8.2). Law courses: students who obtain a grade of C- will have passed that course according to the Faculty of Law regulations but will have failed according to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research regulations. In these instances, students will take a substitute but equivalent Law course in the fourth year of their program. This alternate Law course is to be recommended by the Associate Dean (Law) and approved by the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research prior to students beginning their fourth year in the MBA-JD program. Students must register for this course(s) in the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research and must obtain a minimum grade of C+.
Students in the MBA/JD program may register in Spring/Summer; however, in the mixed year of this program, they must be registered in the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research as outlined above.
Upon the successful completion of the mixed year, candidates will receive the MBA degree. Upon the successful completion of the fourth year, candidates will receive the JD degree.
Inquiries regarding the combined MBA/JD degree program may be directed to the MBA Office in the Faculty of Business or the Faculty of Law.
Academic Standing
During the first year of the combined program, a student is subject to the academic standing regulations and routes of appeal for grades and for academic standing of the Faculty in which the student is registered.
Therefore, if the student registers in the Faculty of Law in the first year of the combined program, the student shall refer to that Faculty's academic standing regulations and right of appeal procedures.
If the student registers in the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research in the first year of the combined program, the student shall refer to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research's academic standing regulations and right of appeal procedures.
In the second year of the combined program, a student is subject to the academic standing regulations and routes of appeal for grades and for academic standing of the Faculty in which the student is registered.
Therefore, if the student registers in the Faculty of Law in the second year of the combined program, the student shall refer to that Faculty's academic standing regulations and right of appeal procedures.
If the student registers in the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research in the second year of the combined program, the student shall refer to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research's academic standing regulations and right of appeal procedures.
In the mixed year of the combined program students must maintain a level of academic standing that is satisfactory to both Faculties. The student shall be subject to the routes of appeal for grades and for academic standing of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research.
If the fourth year's work is done entirely in the Faculty of Law to complete the JD degree, the student shall register in the Faculty of Law and shall be subject to the academic standing regulations and routes of appeal for grades and for academic standing of the Faculty of Law.
If a student withdraws from one of the degree programs or is required to withdraw because of unsatisfactory academic standing, but wishes to remain in the other degree program, the student may be permitted to continue the program of study in the Faculty in which the student retains good academic standing.
Length of Program
Students normally finish all the requirements for the MBA degree, by the end of the third year, and will be awarded the MBA degree at this time. All requirements for the JD degree will be completed by the end of the fourth year.
205.9.4 The MBA/MAg Combined Program
The Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences and the Faculty of Business offer a program of combined study which enables students to earn both the MBA and MAg degrees after two calendar years of full-time study.
Each student must complete a Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research application form to be submitted to the Faculty of Business. A letter indicating the intention to apply to the MBA/MAg program including a statement of the applicant's agricultural specialization, background and interests should also be enclosed.
Entrance Requirements
Normally only students with a BSc degree in an agricultural-related discipline will be admissible to this program. Applicants must follow the admission procedures and meet the admission requirements of both the Faculty of Business and the specific department of the Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences as governed by the regulations of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research. The recommendation for admission will be made by the MBA/MAg Combined Program Selection Committee consisting of representatives from the Faculty of Business and the Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences. Admission will be recommended only for those students judged to have the ability and motivation to handle the significant demands of the program. Professional experience is highly desired.
Program Requirements
The course requirements are normally as follows:
| |
Two | |
SMO 641 | |
Two | |
Five | |
A |
Students who decide to transfer out of the combined program into the regular MBA or MAg program will have to apply and meet the full degree requirements of that program.
Length of Program
Students enrolled in the combined program on a full-time basis can complete the program in two calendar years. Students may undertake the combined program on a part-time basis. The duration of the total program must not exceed six consecutive calendar years.
205.9.5 The MBA/MEng Combined Program
The Faculty of Business and the Faculty of Engineering offer a program of combined study which enables students to earn both the MBA and MEng degrees after two calendar years of full-time study.
Each student must complete a Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research application form to be submitted to the Faculty of Business. A letter indicating the intention to apply to the MBA/MEng program should also be enclosed.
Entrance Requirements
Only students with an undergraduate degree in engineering will be admissible to this program. Applicants must follow the admission procedures and meet the admission requirements of both the Faculty of Business and the specific engineering department as governed by the regulations of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research. The recommendation for admission will be made by the MBA/MEng Combined Program Selection Committee consisting of representatives from the Faculty of Business and the Faculty of Engineering. Admission will be recommended only for those students judged to have the ability and motivation to handle the significant demands of the program.
Program Requirements
The course requirements are as follows:
| |
SMO 641 | |
Three | |
Five | |
One engineering project equivalent to two |
Students will normally take the 30 first-year MBA courses in their first two semesters but may defer up to 6 first-year MBA courses to the second year of the program and replace them in the first year with graduate engineering courses.
Students are eligible to receive financial assistance from either the Faculty of Business or the specific department within the Faculty of Engineering, but may not receive financial assistance from both Faculties simultaneously.
Students who decide to transfer out of the combined program into the regular MBA or MEng program will have to apply and meet the full degree requirements of that program.
Length of Program
Students enrolled in the combined program on a full-time basis can complete the program in two calendar years. Students may undertake the combined program on a part-time basis but must include one term of full-time attendance within a specified department in the Faculty of Engineering if so required by the specific engineering department. The duration of the total program must not exceed six consecutive calendar years.
205.9.6 The MBA/MF Combined Program
The Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences and the Faculty of Business offer a program of combined study which enables students to earn both the MBA and MF degrees after two calendar years of full-time study.
Each student must complete a Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research application form to be submitted to the Faculty of Business. A letter indicating the intention to apply to the MBA/MF program including a statement of the applicant's forestry specialization, background and interests should also be enclosed.
Entrance Requirements
Normally only students with a BSc degree in Forestry will be admissible to this program. Applicants must follow the admission procedures and meet the admission requirements of both the Faculty of Business and the Department of Renewable Resources. The recommendation for admission will be made by the MBA/MF Combined Program Selection Committee consisting of representatives from the Faculty of Business and the Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences. Admission will be recommended only for those students judged to have the ability and motivation to handle the significant demands of the program. Professional experience is highly desired.
Program Requirements
The course requirements are normally as follows:
| |
Three | |
Two | |
REN R 601 and 602 and 3 other approved | |
SMO 641 |
Students who decide to transfer out of the joint program into the regular MBA or MF program will have to apply and meet the full degree requirements of that program.
Length of Program
Students enrolled in the combined program on a full-time basis can complete the program in two calendar years. Students may undertake the combined program on a part-time basis. The duration of the total program must not exceed six consecutive calendar years.
205.9.7 The MD/MBA Combined Degrees Program
The Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry and the Faculty of Business offer a program of combined study which permits highly qualified students to earn both the MD and MBA degrees in five years.
Each student must apply separately to the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry (for admission into the MD program) and to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research (for admission into the MBA program).
In addition, students must indicate on their online graduate application that they are applying to the combined MD/MBA program.
In addition to new entrants, students in the first or second year of the regular MD program are eligible to apply for the combined program.
Entrance Requirements
Acceptance by the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research (for admission into the MBA program) and by the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry (for admission into the MD program) separately, are prerequisites for admission into the MD/MBA program. Admission into each Faculty will be determined by the same selection process and criteria as for other students. In addition, each student must be admitted into the combined program; in this case admission will be determined by a selection committee composed of representatives of the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry and the Faculty of Business. Since this is a special program, particular attention in the selection process will be given to:
the student's past academic achievement; and | |
the student's maturity, interest and a rationale of how such a combined program will enhance the student's career and professional skills. |
Program Requirements
The first two years are taken entirely within the MD program, the third year entirely within the MBA program, the fourth year and fifth year (final year) will be completed entirely in the MD program. The MD portion of the program consists of the normal requirements of the MD program while the Business portion of the program consists of 42.
MBA courses: students who obtain a grade of less than C+ or who fail to complete one of the MBA courses may, upon the recommendation of the Associate Dean (MBA), with the approval of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, retake the course(s) or take an alternate course(s). Students repeating or taking an alternate course(s) must obtain a minimum grade of C+ and must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.7 (University of Alberta Calendar, §203.8.2).
MD residency is pass/fail.
Upon the successful completion of the five-year program, candidates will receive both the MD and the MBA degrees.
Inquiries regarding the combined MD/MBA degrees program may be directed to the Undergraduate Medical Education Office in the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry or the MBA Office in the Faculty of Business.
Academic Standing
A student is subject to the academic standing regulations and routes of appeal for grades and for academic standing of the Faculty in which the student is registered.
Therefore, during the first, second, fourth and fifth year of the combined program, the student shall refer to the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry's academic standing regulations and right of appeal procedures.
In the third year of the combined program, a student is subject to the academic standing regulations and routes of appeal for grades and for academic standing of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research.
If a student withdraws from one of the degree programs or is required to withdraw because of unsatisfactory academic standing, but wishes to remain in the other degree program, the student may be permitted to continue the program of study in the Faculty in which the student retains good academic standing.
Length of Program
Students enrolled in the combined program on a full-time basis can complete the program in five calendar years. The duration of the total program must not exceed six consecutive calendar years.
205.9.8 The MBA with Specialization in Technology Commercialization
The MBA with specialization in Technology Commercialization trains managers who can take new ideas and inventions from their source of discovery to the marketplace. It is designed to give students the expertise to assess and realize commercial potential of the latest technologies, as well as to apply entrepreneurial approaches to commercializing technology and innovation.
Entrance Requirements
Applicants holding any recognized undergraduate degree will be considered for admission to this program. Admission to the MBA (Technology Commercialization) program is based on the applicant's undergraduate grades, three letters of reference, a statement of purpose explaining how this program relates to the applicant's career goals, and the Graduate Management Admission Test score. For candidates interested in this program, a minimum of two years' full-time work experience is desirable. A resume outlining past work experience is required as part of the application materials.
Program Requirements
The course requirements are as follows:
| |
Two | |
Two | |
SMO 641 | |
Four |
Length of Program
Students enrolled in this program on a full-time basis can complete it in two calendar years however, it may be possible to accelerate studies with the completion of courses during Spring/Summer. Alternatively, this course-based MBA program may be taken on a part-time basis; however, it must be completed within six consecutive years from initial registration in the program.
205.9.9 The MBA with Specialization in International Business
The MBA with specialization in International Business trains managers to excel in today's global economy. It is designed to give students experience in addressing the challenges and identifying the opportunities of global markets.
Entrance Requirements
Applicants holding any recognized undergraduate degree will be considered for admission to this program. Admission to the MBA (International Business) Program is based on the applicant's undergraduate grades, three letters of reference, a statement of purpose explaining how this program relates to the applicant's career goals, and the Graduate Management Admission Test score. For candidates interested in this program, a minimum of two years' full-time work experience is desirable. A resume outlining past work experience is required as part of the application materials.
Program Requirements
The course requirements are as follows:
| |
SMO 641 | |
Four | |
Four |
Length of Program
Students enrolled in this program on a full-time basis can complete it in two calendar years however, it may be possible to accelerate studies with the completion of courses during Spring/Summer. Alternatively, this course-based MBA program may be taken on a part-time basis; however, it must be completed within six consecutive years from initial registration in the program.
205.9.10 The MBA with Specialization in Leisure and Sport Management
The Faculty of Business, in conjunction with the Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation, offers a program leading to an MBA with specialization in Leisure and Sport Management. The purpose of this applied administrative studies master's program is to prepare graduate students to become practising managers/leaders in leisure and sport management.
Entrance Requirements
Applicants holding any recognized undergraduate degree will be considered for admission to this program. Admission to the MBA (Leisure and Sport Management) Program is based on the applicant's undergraduate grades, three letters of reference, a statement of purpose explaining how this program relates to the applicant's career goals, and the Graduate Management Admission Test score. For candidates interested in this program, a minimum of two years' full-time work experience is desirable. A resume outlining past work experience is required as part of the application materials. The recommendation for admission will be made by a selection committee consisting of representatives from the Faculty of Business and the Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation.
Program Requirements
The course requirements are as follows:
| |
Three | |
SMO 641 | |
Three | |
Two |
Length of Program
Students enrolled in this program on a full-time basis can complete it in two calendar years however, it may be possible to accelerate studies with the completion of courses during Spring/Summer. Alternatively, this course-based MBA program may be taken on a part-time basis; however, it must be completed within six consecutive years from initial registration in the program.
205.9.11 The MBA with Specialization in Natural Resources, Energy and the Environment
The MBA with specialization in Natural Resources, Energy and the Environment trains managers to develop an analytical expertise specifically focused in the areas of natural resources, energy and the environment. The program is designed for students to develop a broad understanding of the resource and energy industries, from the exploration and project development phases, through extraction and transformation, to transportation, logistics marketing and market issues. This allows students to address and analyze key strategic questions facing today's business leaders and policy makers.
Entrance Requirements
Applicants holding any recognized undergraduate degree will be considered for admission to this program. Admission to the MBA (Natural Resources, Energy and the Environment) program is based on the applicant's undergraduate grades, three letters of reference, a statement of purpose explaining how this program relates to the applicant's career goals, and the Graduate Management Admission Test score. For candidates interested in this program, a minimum of two years' full-time work experience is desirable. A resume outlining past work experience is required as part of the application materials.
Program Requirements
The course requirements are as follows:
| |
BUEC 663 - capstone course | |
Five | |
Three |
Length of Program
Students enrolled in this program on a full-time basis can complete it in two calendar years however, it may be possible to accelerate studies with the completion of courses during Spring/Summer. Alternatively, this course-based MBA program may be taken on a part-time basis; however, it must be completed within six consecutive years from initial registration in the program.
205.9.12 The MBA with Specialization in Finance
The MBA with specialization in Finance trains managers to develop an analytical expertise specifically focused in the area of finance. The program is designed for students to develop the skills, knowledge and experience necessary for a career in this field. Graduates will be well positioned for careers as financial managers or investment bankers.
Entrance Requirements
Applicants holding any recognized undergraduate degree will be considered for admission to this program. Admission to the MBA (Finance) program is based on the applicant's undergraduate grades, three letters of reference, a statement of purpose explaining how this program relates to the applicant's career goals, and the Graduate Management Admission Test score. For candidates interested in this program, a minimum of two years' full-time work experience is desired. A resume outlining past work experience is required as part of the application materials.
Program Requirements
The course requirements are as follows:
| |
Three | |
Four | |
SMO 641 | |
Three |
Length of Program
Students enrolled in this program on a full-time basis can complete it in two calendar years. Alternatively, this course-based MBA program may be taken on a part-time basis; however, it must be completed within six consecutive years from initial registration in the program.
205.9.13 The MBA with Specialization in Public Policy and Management
The MBA with specialization in Public Policy and Management is designed for individuals aspiring to careers in public administrations and not-for-profit organizations. It is designed to give students experience in addressing the challenges and applying analytical skills to deliver effective consensus-building strategies for success in public management and administration.
Entrance Requirements
Applicants holding any recognized undergraduate degree will be considered for admission to this program. Admission to the MBA (Public Policy and Management) Program is based on the applicant's undergraduate grades, three letters of reference, a statement of purpose explaining how this program relates to the applicant's career goals, and the Graduate Management Admission Test score. For candidates interested in this program, a minimum of two years' full-time work experience is desirable. A resume outlining past work experience is required as part of the application materials.
Program Requirements
The course requirements are as follows:
| |
SMO 641 | |
One | |
Three | |
Three | |
One |
Length of Program
Students enrolled in this program on a full-time basis can complete it in two calendar years however, it may be possible to accelerate studies with the completion of courses during Spring/Summer. Alternatively, this course-based MBA program may be taken on a part-time basis; however, it must be completed within six consecutive years from initial registration in the program.
205.9.14 The Degree of MFM
The Master of Financial Management prepares professional accountants or other finance professionals who want to become financial managers and aspire to the roles of Controller, Treasurer, and Chief Financial Officer.
Entrance Requirements
Admission to the program is based on the applicant’s undergraduate grades, three letters of reference, a statement of purpose explaining how the MFM relates to the applicant’s career goals, the applicant’s Graduate Management Admission Test score, and a personal interview. Applicants should have relevant business or professional experience and a relevant undergraduate degree.
Program Requirements
The course requirements are as follows:
| |
FIN 880 (capstone) | |
Nine |
Length of Program
Students enrolled in the MFM program can complete the requirements in two years. The duration of the total program must not exceed six consecutive calendar years.
205.9.15 The FastTrack MBA for Business Graduates
The FastTrack MBA Program for Business Graduates educates managers to enhance their strategic thinking and team leadership skills. The program is designed for students who have completed an undergraduate degree in business or management and who wish to further develop their strategic and critical thinking skills. Students have the option to enhance their knowledge in a particular area or complete a specialization. Graduates will be well positioned to make a career change or meet the requirements for a more senior position.
Entrance Requirements
Applicants holding a recognized undergraduate degree in business or management will be considered for admission to this program. Admission to the FastTrack MBA is selective; requiring an overall grade point average of 3.2 or higher in the last two years (or 60 credits) of the business or management undergraduate program. Students who are deficient (defined as less than a B+ in their undergraduate degree) in one or more of the following core business classes: financial accounting, organizational behaviour, introductory marketing, introductory finance, business statistics are required to take the equivalent MBA core course. Admission to the FastTrack MBA Program for Business Graduates is based on the applicant‘s undergraduate grades, three letters of reference, a statement of purpose explaining how this program relates to the applicant‘s career goals, and the Graduate Management Admission Test score. For BCom graduates of the University of Alberta, the GMAT requirement will be waived. Students also require a minimum of three years of full-time work experience after their undergraduate degree. Admission for those whose degree was completed more than ten years ago are considered on a case-by-case basis.
Program Requirements
The course requirements are as follows:
| |
SMO 641 | |
Seven |
Length of Program
Students enrolled in this program on a full-time basis can complete it in one calendar year. Alternatively, this course-based FastTrack MBA program may be taken on a part-time basis; however, it must be completed with six consecutive years from initial registration in the program.
205.9.16 Executive MBA
The Faculty of Business at the University of Alberta and the Haskayne School of Business at the University of Calgary offer a combined Executive MBA program which permits individuals with at least seven years of work experience to earn the MBA through a 20 month weekend program.
Entrance Requirements
The minimum admission requirements in terms of undergraduate GPA and English language proficiency are those of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research. In some cases, students without an undergraduate degree, but who have 15 years of significant work experience are admissible. Applicants should have at least seven years of work experience to be admitted. Additionally, all applicants who do not have an undergraduate degree from a recognized institution or have an undergraduate degree with less than a 3.0 GPA or equivalent are required to write the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). Finally a letter of support from the applicant's employer and two letters of reference are desirable.
Program Requirements
The EMBA program is designed for individuals who have been in the workforce for seven years or more, and who are aspiring to top management positions. The course requirements are as follows:
Four | |
Fourteen | |
Two graduate elective courses |
Length of Program
Students enrolled in the EMBA can complete the program in 20 months.
205.9.17 The Degree of PhD
Information is available from the program's website: www.business.ualberta.ca/PhD/
Entrance Requirements
The program seeks prospective candidates with an excellent scholastic record and a strong interest in research related to their chosen field of business studies. Potential students must have at least a bachelor's degree, which may be from any undergraduate program. Applications are evaluated by an admissions committee on the basis of academic potential as evidenced through past grades, the GMAT, letters of recommendation, and a well-written statement of purpose. There are no fixed cutoff levels for consideration (beyond the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research minimum admission requirement) but as a guideline, past entrants have scored at least in the ninetieth percentile of the GMAT (or the equivalent on the GRE) and achieved a 3.5 grade-point average (on the 4-point letter grading system). International students must demonstrate English Language proficiency on the Test of English as a Foreign Language or the International English Language Testing System test (IELTS), prior to admission. A minimum TOEFL score of 550 (paper-based), or 88 (internet-based), or a minimum overall band score of 6.5, with at least 5 on each test band on the IELTS, is required. There is no additional language requirement.
Program Requirements
The Business PhD program is a research-oriented program which emphasizes knowledge of a major field of business studies, a cognate area, and strong analytical skills. The distinctive feature of business PhD programs, in general, is the concomitant study of related disciplines found in the University, as well as the study of functional fields of business. The program offered by the Faculty of Business at the University of Alberta consists of a major field of study chosen from accounting, finance, operations and information systems, marketing, and strategic management and organization. In addition, two minors are selected from disciplines which underlie the major field, and/or from functional areas of business which are complementary to the chosen major field.
There are two basic stages in the program. They are the completion of coursework and comprehensive examinations, and candidacy (for thesis completion).
All students in the Business PhD program must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 throughout the course of the program.
The minimum period of residence is normally two academic years of full-time attendance at the University of Alberta.
Financial Information
The Faculty of Business normally offers funding for up to four years (in exceptional cases for five years) made up of several kinds of support. Also, assistance with tuition is available for the strongest candidates. A number of attractive fellowships are available (see Graduate Financial Aid section of this Calendar).
Length of Program
The program is normally full-time; candidates are expected to need two to three years of full-time study to complete the required coursework and comprehensive exams and two years to complete the PhD thesis.
205.9.18 The MBA-PhD Joint Program (not offered in 2012-2013)
The Faculty of Business offers a joint MBA-PhD program of study to provide students, who are admitted to the Business PhD program without an MBA degree, the opportunity of obtaining the MBA degree if the requirements of that degree are satisfied.
Admission decisions to each part of the joint program are made by the respective offices. For the PhD program the admission recommendation is made by the PhD office, while admission recommendations to the MBA program are made by the MBA office. Both are subject to the approval of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research.
Students are required to meet MBA requirements for first-year courses in the program as well as SMO 641, and 24 electives. A minimum of 12 must be 600-level Business courses. The remaining courses may be chosen, with the approval of the Associate Dean of the MBA program, from 600-level courses outside the Faculty of Business, or from the Business PhD doctoral-level courses (selected from the approved lists of elective courses contained in a student's major and/or minor areas of PhD concentration). In all cases, the distinct criteria for the MBA program and the PhD program must be met.
Student funding may be provided for the PhD element of the joint-program subject to available funds.
The time limit for completion of both degrees is six years with the MBA portion to be completed within four years from initial registration.
Students in the combined MBA-PhD program are subject to the academic standing regulations and routes of appeal for academic standing of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research.
A recommendation to withdraw from the MBA-PhD program because of unsatisfactory academic standing shall be made by the Director of the PhD program to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research.
If a student withdraws from the MBA-PhD program and wishes to complete the MBA program, the student must seek admission to the regular MBA program. At the time of withdrawal from the joint program, the student's status, relative to course requirements in the MBA program, will be the decision of the Associate Dean MBA program.
205.9.19 Graduate Courses
Graduate courses in Business can be found in §231, Course Listings, under the following subject headings:
Accounting (ACCTG)
Business (BUS)
Business Economics (BUEC)
Finance (FIN)
Management Information Systems (MIS)
Management Science (MGTSC)
Marketing (MARK)
Organizational Analysis (ORG A)
Operations Management (OM)
Strategic Management and Organization (SMO)
